The perfection of optics

Introduction

Optics is an art form that, when used in photography, can be used to conjure and communicate narratives without needing explanation. It can be used to manipulate the meaning of almost anything. That is why it’s an art form; one that I intend to perfect regarding my project. The premise is to communicate emotion and moral struggle through images, a task that shall be heavily reliant on light and shot type to communicate meaning.

Studio Photography

Prior to attending university, I had little experience in studio photography as my previous sixth form didn’t offer the resources. So naturally, the past three weeks have been spent learning the necessary skills in the university photography studios. I am now able to set up the studio and lights, thus acquiring all the necessary skills for my project. As well as this, I have learnt to use coloured gels to manipulate the light which I believe could be useful for drawing connections with the model’s mood in terms of the connotations of different colours.

These images depict my classmate and I experimenting with using multiple gels at one time. It has allowed me to gain further insight into the power of colour.

Colour scheme

As shown in my mood board, the colour scheme for my photographs will consist of neutral tones with appropriate pops of colour. Using the adobe colour wheel, I have been able to establish a colour gradient that will be used as the colours for the creations of my costumes.

Linking to the connotations of colour within film (Philip Cowan, 2020), the darker shades shall be used to convey emotions of sadness and anger. This will be contrasted by the lighter tones that shall be used for romance and happiness.

Conclusion

Though I do not actually have any preliminary shots for my shoot so far, I have now planned everything and have also acquired my models, so can begin my costume-making. Over the next two weeks, I shall need to make my costumes and props and do a preliminary shoot, to really gain an understanding of what I want from these images.

References

Philip Cowan. (2020) Post-Carroll. Projections 14:3, pages 72-89.